Alex Bussman is applying for the position of executive chef at the hospital you serve as director of human resources. The hospital has more than 800 beds and the meal service offered to the patients and visitors alike is extensive. Patients in this facility are extremely ill and because of that weaken condition dietary concerns are important consideration. While reviewing Mr. Bussman's work history during an interview he states that he was let go from his two previous positions for excessive absences.
When you acquire as to the cause of his excessive absence Alex offers that was due to the effects of alcoholism. A condition in which she has struggled for over 10 years, but for which he is currently undergoing weekend treatment in attending meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. He states that he never drank at work but sometimes missed work because he overslept or was too hung over to go in.
His past employers will neither confirm nor deny Alex's problem. Both simply state that he had worked for them as an executive chef and he was no longer employed by the organization. Based on his education experience Mr. Bussman is clearly the best qualified candidate for the vacant executive chef position. However, based on his life history, his ability to overcome his dependence on alcohol is in your opinion, questionable.
Your recommendation on Mr. Bussman's hiring will likely be accepted by the manager of dietary services.
DISCUSS THE FOLLLOWING:
1. What might be issues with the inquiry into Mr. Bussman's difficulty in prior positions?
2. ls Mr. Bussman protected under ADA? Discuss WHY/WHY NOT
3. lf Mr. Bussman was hired but needed three days off to undergo treatment would you grant that accommodation? And if so, under what circumstances? lf not why not?
4. What rights would Mr. Bussman have?